MR SPEAKER (Mr Cornwell) took the chair at 10.30 am and read
the prayer.

PETITION

The Clerk: The following petition has been lodged for
presentation:

By Mr Humphries, from 160 residents, requesting that the Assembly
legislate to ensure that penalties reflect the violence of the crimes.

The terms of this petition will be recorded in Hansard and a copy
referred to the appropriate Minister.

Sentencing of Violent Criminals

The petition read as follows:

To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly for the Australian
Capital Territory:

The petition of certain residents of the Australian Capital Territory draws to
the attention of the Assembly the sentencing of violent criminals. The
sentences handed down to these criminals should reflect the serious nature of
their crimes. Soft sentencing by judges should end so that there is fairness
to the victims as well as the accused.

Your petitioners therefore request the Assembly to: legislate to ensure that
penalties reflect the violence of the crimes.